If you own a small product customisation business, you know how crucial it is to have the right tools to excel in a competitive market. A well-edited image can be the key to capturing your customers' attention.

However, finding free photo editors that are both powerful and easy to use can be challenging. Does that sound familiar? Keep reading to discover the best free image editors that will help you take your customisations to the next level.

Free or paid photo editors?

We understand that editing a photo and creating an optimal final artwork is crucial for transferring your designs to customisable products. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of photographic post-production, image processing, and file exportation to ensure a quality finish.

For a complex task, it is recommended to use advanced programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. These applications offer expert tools for colour adjustment, profiles, and processing of various formats, although they can be complex for beginners. Fortunately, there are also similar applications available online with advanced options that make photo editing easier, many of which are free and accessible for entrepreneurs.

These free photo editors are perfect for entrepreneurs starting in personalisation, offering advanced tools in premium versions through payment or subscription. Many allow you to work online without the need for installation, thus facilitating the creative process. With these programs, you can create designs applicable to a wide range of customisable products such as mugs, cushions, T-shirts, towels, bags, backpacks, thermoses, magnets and calendars. This will help you diversify your offering and meet your customers' demands efficiently and professionally.

GIMP AFFINITY

The professional graphic design suite without subscriptions

Affinity is a suite of graphic design and image editing software developed by Serif, consisting of three main applications: Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher. These tools are renowned for their professional power, offering exceptional performance and advanced features at a one-off price, without the need for subscriptions. Ideal for designers, photographers, and content creators, Affinity applications provide a robust and accessible alternative to traditional design software.

GIMP

A free and open-source image editor with advanced features

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is one of the most comprehensive image editors available for free. It offers advanced tools for editing and creating graphics, such as the ability to work with layers, filters, and special effects. With GIMP, you can perform anything from basic colour and brightness adjustments to complex image manipulations and detailed graphic creations.

CANVA

Web-based image editor, ideal for quick and easy designs

Canva is an online photo editor that allows you to create graphics and edit photos with an intuitive interface and a vast array of templates. You can design everything from social media posts to brochures and presentations. Canva provides tools such as photo filters, text adjustments, and an extensive library of images and graphic elements.

PIXLR X

Online photo editor with powerful tools and a user-friendly interface

Pixlr X offers essential and advanced editing tools directly in the browser, with no downloads required. It is ideal for adjusting colours, cropping images, and applying effects and filters. Pixlr X allows for quick and efficient edits, and is particularly useful for users who need to edit images occasionally.

FOTOR

Online photo editor with basic and advanced features

Fotor offers photo editing, graphic design, and collage-making tools on an accessible web platform. With Fotor, you can adjust colours, apply beauty effects, and create attractive designs using predefined templates. It is ideal for those who need an all-in-one tool for quick edits and design projects.

PHOTOPEA

Online image editor that simulates Photoshop

Photopea is an online tool that offers a Photoshop-like editing experience, compatible with PSD files. It allows for advanced editing such as working with layers, applying filters and effects, and fine-tuning image details. Photopea is ideal for those familiar with Photoshop but looking for a free alternative.

KRITA

Free digital painting and image editing software

Krita is an open-source tool primarily designed for illustrators, but it also offers powerful image editing features. With Krita, you can create detailed illustrations, work with layers, and apply numerous painting effects. It is ideal for digital artists and those who need a robust tool for creative editing.

PAINT.NET

Free and easy-to-use image editor for Windows

Paint.NET is an image editing software for Windows that combines ease of use with advanced tools. It supports layers, special effects, and advanced selection tools. It is ideal for quick edits and less complex graphic design tasks.

INKSCAPE

Free and open-source vector graphics editor

Inkscape is a vector graphics editing tool that also allows for the manipulation of raster images. It is ideal for creating logos, illustrations, and complex graphics. Inkscape supports formats such as SVG, PDF, EPS, and AI, and offers advanced vector drawing tools.

BEFUNKY

Online photo editor with a focus on simplicity and creativity

BeFunky is an online tool that simplifies photo editing and graphic creation with its intuitive interface and creative tools. You can apply effects, add text, and create collages effortlessly. BeFunky is perfect for users seeking a quick and easy solution for their creative projects.

DARKTABLE

Free and open-source RAW photo editor

Darktable is a photography workflow application and RAW developer, ideal for professional photographers. It offers advanced tools for editing RAW photos, such as exposure adjustment, colour correction, and noise reduction. Darktable is perfect for those who work with RAW files and need detailed control over every aspect of their photos.

Do you prefer to save time in creating designs?

If you're looking to optimize time in creating custom designs, discover Vexels. This tool offers a vast library of ready-to-use graphics and templates, making it easier to create unique products without having to start from scratch. It's ideal for entrepreneurs who want to maintain quality and originality in their customizable offerings.

If you join us through our recommendation, you will enjoy an EXTRA 20% discount on your subscription with the code BRILDOREXTRA20. If you wish to take advantage of this offer on subscription plans, simply click on this link and add the code at checkout. For more details, read our full post on how Vexels can transform your design process: Vexels: The solution for creating personalised designs.

▶️ DESIGNS, VECTORS AND IMAGES for printing in Sublimation, screen printing, DTF, DTG... - VEXELS

These free image editors offer a variety of tools and features that can help you enhance the quality of your custom products. Which one do you use?

If you have any questions or think we've overlooked any detail, please feel free to leave us a comment. We are here to assist you. Additionally, you can contact our Customer Service team for more information or to resolve any concerns.

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See you in the next post!